Israeli soldiers allowed to smoke on leave

After lengthy deliberation, the Israeli military has decided that soldiers caught smoking cannabis while off duty will be given a second chance before being discharged.

Israeli soldiers used to face serious consequences if caught smoking cannabis while on or off duty. From now on, soldiers who smoke will be able to return to their units as soon as their urine tests come back negative for THC.  Previously, any service member, whether on duty or off duty, caught smoking was subject to suspension and could face up to one month in a military prison.

This directive from the Israeli Military Advocate General will apply to all military ranks. However, if a service member is caught or tests positive for any hard drug, they will be immediately suspended and face a public trial.  The same applies if they smoke cannabis while on duty.

Up to 5 times in a career

Starting in January 2017, Israeli soldiers will be entitled to this exemption five times during their careers. The prosecutor’s office states: «After decades of strict policies, we have not been able to effectively combat drug use. It is therefore better to invest our efforts in rehabilitating the soldier rather than sending him to military prison. Soldiers who smoke cannabis in civilian life can get back on the right track.» The newspaper Ha’aretz notes that this decision aims to counter the rising dropout rate among regular forces and in military service following such arrests.

Israel is a leader in the cannabis industry. The country is years ahead of France when it comes to medical marijuana but remains very strict when it comes to recreational use. Opposition newspapers such as Ha’aretz are calling for an end to the persecution of consumers and cannabis growers so that authorities can focus on harder drugs.